Chapter 30: Catalyst

Once the celebration began to wane, Siannon took the opportunity to speak to Asha alone. It was not unusual for the people of Macnylleth to see her outside the castle; the presence of dragons in Llanfyllin ceased to be a secret years ago.

“Ben tells me that you were the catalyst for my adventure,” Siannon said.

“Yes,” Asha said. “Dragons are not capable of deception; our nature is to be honest. I needed their help to distract you from our purpose.”

“You needed to distract me from myself,” Siannon said. “I’m so grateful that you did.”

“Human emotions are familiar to me,” Asha said, “but sometimes they are still confusing. I understand sorrow, however. I felt sorrow at losing my offspring, and you helped me find them. I wanted to help you find a way out of your sorrow.”

“What frightened me the most was thinking you had disappeared,” Siannon said. “You are my closest friend, Asha. I’d be lost without you.”

“Then you have nothing to fear,” Asha said. “A bond between a dragon and a human lasts beyond this life. When you leave this world, you will speak to me from the next realm.”

“So we never need to say goodbye,” Siannon said.

“Dragon lore tells of past bonds with humans,” Asha said. “None speak of love. That word does not exist in our language. But I feel that with you. We love each other.”

“Of course we do, Asha,” she said. “I love you so very much.”